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HER SON’S SWEETHEART 


A Comedy in Two Acts 
For Female Characters 


By Josepha Marie Murray 


Copyright, 1915, Eldridge Entertainment House. 


PUBLISHED BY 

Eldridge Entertainment House, 

FRANKLIN. OHIO. 









DESCRIPTION OF CHARACTERS 


Mrs. Perkins—A well-dressed woman of about forty- 
five. 

Lilly —A pale, delicate little girl of about twelve. This 
part may be easily taken by any older girl. 

Kitty —A young, pretty girl in black dress with white 
apron and cap. 

Betty Gardener—A handsome, refined young woman 
of about twenty, very prettily clad. 

Mrs. Clayton —A beautifully dressed woman of about 
forty-two. 

Elizabeth Burton —An attractive young woman of 
about twenty, plainly but neatly clad. 


CHARACTERS 


Mrs. Perkins .. 

Lilly . 

Kitty . 

Betty Gardener 


.a devoted mother 

.Mrs. Perkins’ little girl 

. the maid 

Mrs. Perkins’ son’s sweetheart 


Mrs. Clayton, .a Boston neighbor of the Perkins family 
Elizabeth Burton. . (known as Betty and Lilly’s com¬ 


panion who happens to be Mrs. 
Clayton’s son’s sweetheart.) 


Time—Summer. 
Costumes—Modern. 


ACT I. Morning. 
ACT II. Afternoon. 



^CI.D 4251)1 


DEC 20 191b 







Her Son’s Sweetheart. 


ACT I. 


(Scene*—The living-room in Mrs. Perkins * 


summer home. Entrances /.. and h\ .1 portiere 
across door entrance L. l.'p stage L., leather 
lounge. Up stage R., a large, old-fashioned 
clock. Up stage C. hack, a large mirror, a lit¬ 
tle left of the mirror, a small table on which 
there is a telephone. At center, a table on which 
there are several pictures.) 


(At the rise of the curtain, Mrs. Perkins 
stands in front of the mirror putting on a very 
pretty hat.) 

Mrs. P. There! 1 guess I’m ready now. 1 do hate 
to go back to Boston this beautiful morning. ( Touches 
roses on hat.) Goodness! W hy does Madam Claymore 
insist on roses for a summer hat? The last one 1 had, 
Frank didn’t like, and this one is worse. I think it be¬ 
hooves a mother who has an adorable young son to dress 
to please him. John says 1 make too much of Frank — 
but there, 1 can’t help it. ( Picks up Prank's picture from 
table.) You darling hoy! Mother just worships you. 
Get me see— (thinks seriously). Why it’s nearly seven 
months since I’ve seen you. 1 do wish you’d come home 
more often ; but then, 1 suppose when a hoy has a sweet¬ 
heart to visit why—. ( Puts picture down.) W ell, [ 

mustn’t be jealous. John and 1 had our day; and be¬ 
sides Frank says Betty is a darling. 

Lilly. (appears at door up stage A\). (( alls.) 

Mother! (Sadly.) Mother! 

Mrs. P. (turns). Yes, Lilly. Come here, dearie. 
(Lilly doesn't more. Mrs. P. speaks louder.) Lilly, 
how often must 1 tell you to obey mother! 


(Lilly goes up to mother. Regius to cry.) 


3 



4 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


f 


Mrs. P. There I’ve made you cry again. Oh, if you 
were only more like Frank used to be when he was your 
age! I suppose it’s because you're so delicate. ( Bend¬ 
ing over her.) Lilly, dear, what is the trouble now? 

Lilly. (throwing her arms around her mother’s neck.) 
Oh, mother, I’m so lonesome! Why did we come so 
early? We are the only family here, and I've no one to 
play with. 

Mrs. P. (caressing her). There, dear, I know; but 
you mustn't fret mother. We came here in May on ac¬ 
count of you, pet. Dr. Brighton said the change would 
be fine for you. Come; kiss mother. Father promised 
to get a companion for you as soon as possible. Now 
try to be a good little girl. Can't you read one of the 
new books father brought you? 

Lilly. I’ve read every book I have, mother. 

Mrs. P. (sitting dozen). Do you want mother to get 
you another one this morning when she's in Boston? 

Lilly. No, mother, I'm tired of reading. I read all 
day yesterday. 

Mrs. P. Do be sensible, Lilly. You are a big girl, 
twelve years old, you are really old enough to amuse 
yourself. 

Lilly. Why can't I go to Boston with you, mother? 

Mrs. P. It’s too tiresome, darling. You stay here; 
and if your companion comes, she’ll take you out in the 
garden. 

Lilly. All right, mother. Bring me something nice 
from Boston, won’t you? 

(Mrs. Perkins kisses Lilly and exits door up stage L.) 

Lilly. (sits dozen on lounge). Oh, dear, I wish that 
companion of mine would come. I guess I'll play acting. 
(Goes to door up stage R. calls.) Kitty! (louder). 
Kitty! Please bring me that book of mine about the 
fairy princess. 

(Enter Kitty with a hook in her hand.) 

Kitty. Miss Lilly! 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


5 


Lilly. Yes, Kitty. ( goes over to maid). 

Kitty. Here is the book, Miss Lilly. Now be careful 
and don't play so hard that you’ll get excited. You know 
your mother is away, and we don’t want her to come 
home and find you ill. 

(Exit Kitty.) 

Lilly, (sits on lounge). Now isn’t Kitty funny! Just 
like mother. Get excited! She must think I’m a baby. 

(Goes over to chair; rocks, sits dozvn; opens book; 
starts to read aloud.) 

Lilly. And the princess was the most beautiful fairy 
of them all. (Looks up.) She must have been lovely; 
I can actually see her; just like an actress, I suppose, 
only more mysterious. Now this is the most interest¬ 
ing part where Helen talks to the fairy. Now let me 
see, I learned those words. (Puts book down.) Now 
I'll pretend that this is the woods, and near this chair 
is the tree, and under it stands the fairy. Til be Helen. 
(Rises and approaches chair.) Oh! (Draws back.) 
How you frightened me. Where did you come from? 
That tree? (Points to chair.) A fairy! A—princess! 
I knew you must be a princess because you're so beau¬ 
tiful. How can I keep you with me? By singing? oh, 
then I'll sing, (starts to sing). 

(During singing there is a noise in the hall. Lilly 
listens; and ashamed to be discovered playing runs into 
the next room just as the door opens and the maid ushers 
in Betty Gardener dressed in a traveling suit; carrying 
a dress suitcase. ) 

y 

Betty. She isn’t in, you say? 

Kitty. No, miss, she went to Boston. 

Betty, (aside). How strange! Was she not expect¬ 
ing me? 

Kitty. Yes, miss. She said that you could go right 
in and make yourself at home if you came while she was 
out. (Takes her suitcase.) I'll take this upstairs for 


6 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


you. Miss. The little girl can take you to your room 
and you can remove your wraps. 

Betty. Was Mrs. Perkins called away suddenly? 

Kitty. Yes, Miss; there was a business call to Boston. 

Betty. Very well then; I thank you. 

{Maid exits.) 

Betty. Well, I am exhausted! It certainly was a 
dreadful walk. I should have hired a carriage if there 
had been any in sight; queer no one met me at the sta¬ 
tion! If Frank had only come with me; but it's just 
like a man—always business first. I should think he'd 
realize that it's hard enough to meet “my future mother- 
in-law” when he's with me—but alone; I shudder. 

{Lilly nozv comes in.) 

Lilly. How do you do. {Extends her hand.) 

Betty, {confused). Oh! {Aside.) She's heard it all. 

Lilly. I might as well tell you why I ran away when 
you came in. You’ll think I’m awfully impolite; but I 
was playing and I thought that you must have heard me. 
At first I thought you were one of mother's friends from 
Boston; but now I'm sure that you are the lady who 
has come to play with me. 

Betty. Why, yes, dear, I’d love to play with you. 

Lilly. I suppose I shouldn't say play. It sounds like 

a little girl. Besides I'll be thirteen my next birthday. 
To tell the truth I don’t play such baby games; besides, 
it would be correct to say play even if one meant golf 
or tennis. I love to play tennis. I've tried several times 
—just hitting the ball back and forth of course. Mother 
lets me play only a little while on account of my health. 

Betty. Were you the one who was singing so sweetly 
when I came in ? 

Lilly. Yes. I was acting. That's why I ran away. 
Mother says I’m awfully old to pretend so much, but I 
love to act out my story books—especially the fairy 
stories. Of course, I don't believe in fairies, although 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


7 


I used to when I was little, but it’s fun to pretend you’re 
an actress. I get so excited when I go to the theatre 
that mother won't take me very often. I saw Maude 
Adams in “Peter Pan” and 1 think she’s splendid. You 
have seen her of course? 

Betty . Yes, and I enjoyed her very much. {Aside.) 
What a darling! I’ll love my little sister. (To Lilly.) 
Won’t you sing another song, dear, I’d love to hear you. 

Lilly. If you’ll promise not to tell. I sing for very 
few people. 

(A pretty song may be introduced.) 

Lilly. Now; it’s over. Aren’t you glad ? 

Betty. No indeed! I think you'll be a singer when 
you're a young lady. 

Lilly. Come, mother said you and I could go out in 
the garden. We will; won’t we? Miss—why I never 
thought to ask your name. 

Betty. Call me Betty, Lilly, dear. 

Lilly. Oh, no; mother wouldn’t like that. She only 
lets me call Kitty by her first name. I tell you what I'll 
call you—Miss Betty. We’ll be the best of friends, I 
know. Come over here until I show you my picture 
(shozvs picture.. Points to chair near table.) Sit down, 
Miss Betty. 

Betty. It is very natural. ( Looks at picture.) 

Lilly. Now look at this one. This is brother Frank. 
Isn’t he a sport? Do you think you’ll like him, Miss 
Betty ? 

(Betty eagerly seizes the picture.) 

Betty. Like him, Lilly? (Smiles.) Why, I’m real 
fond of him already. 

Lilly. I heard you say something-about a Frank when 
you came in. 

Betty, (excited). Di—did you hear anything else I 
said? (Aside.) She’ll be sure to tell! 

Lilly. No, I didn’t. 


8 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


Betty. I was mentioning how tired I was. It's a long 
walk. Lilly, when do you expect your mother home? 

Lilly. I don't know; but come, we were going out 
ages ago. Let’s go upstairs. You can take off your 
wraps in my room because that's where you are going to 
sleep. After that we can go out into the garden. 

(Lilly gets her hook and she and Betty exeunt door 
up stage R. just as Mrs. Perkins re-enters door stage L.) 

Mrs. P. ( exhausted. Sits dozen.) Well, if that isn’t' 
discouraging! To drive way down to the village to learn 
that I must return at once. If I hadn’t stopped at the 
post office. ( Looks at letter which she has in her hand.) 

I should have got this letter too late. I should have been 
in Boston and Betty would have arrived unwelcomed. 

I can’t realize it. Betty and Frank both coming here for 
a rest. Betty coming alone! Poor little thing! I know 
just how she will feel. Frank detained by business, but 
to follow a week later. How can I ever forgive that 
thoughtless boy of mine. The idea of not notifying me 
until the last minute! If I had known earlier I could 
have made so many little improvements in the house. I 
should have planned entertainment. Goodness! It will 
be hard to entertain a future daughter-in-law. I wonder 
what the girl will be like. My son's sweetheart! I can’t 
realize it. It seems like only a few years ago that Frank 
was just a boy. (Sighs.) I'm so excited I scarcely 
know what to do first. Poor Lilly! I suppose she’ll be 
disappointed when she finds I didn’t bring her anything 
from town. 

(Removes hat in front of mirror; places it on table; 
presses a button.) 

(Enter Kitty.) 

Mrs. P. Kitty, (Hands hat to maid.) please take 
my hat upstairs. I’m too tired to go up now, any word 
from Mr. Perkins? Lilly's companion didn’t come? 

Kitty. Yes, madam, she came. She’s out playing 
with Miss Lilly. 


Her Sort’s Sweetheart 


9 


Mrs. P. I’m sorry I wasn’t here. I should like to 
have seen her 9 first, but I’m too busy now. I’ll have to 
trust to Mr. Perkin’s judgment. But men’s ideas don't 
usually suit me. Kitty! (As Kitty starts to go.) Kitty! 
Please see that the front room is in perfect order. I am 
expecting my son’s sweetheart this afternoon, and I want 
everything made as comfortable for her as possible. She 
will be with us a few weeks. 

Kitty. Yes, Mrs. Perkins. 

(Exit Kitty.) 

Mrs. P. Well! (Sits down.) So much for prepara¬ 
tions ! It’s fortunate she won't be here until after lunch. 

(Lilly runs in from stage door L.) 

Lilly. Come on! I’ll show you how. (Notices her 
mother. Runs to her.) Why, mother; why did you 
come back so soon ? 

Mrs. P. I didn’t go, pet. Before going to the sta¬ 
tion I stopped at the post office. What do you think, 
Lilly! I found a letter from Frank. He’s coming home 
soon for a rest. This afternoon his young lady friend, 
(the one who’s going to be his wife) is coming to stay 
with us. Now, we’ll have plenty of company, won’t we? 

Lilly, (claps hands and jumps up and dozen). Goody! 
Goody! Mother, (Looks around.) why—where is she? 
Miss—. 

(Enter Betty.) 

Betty. Lilly! Lilly! Uh— (Stops short.. Looks sur¬ 
prised.) 

Mrs. P. (extends her hand). How do you do. You 
came this morning when I was out? I’m so sorry. 

Lilly. (gives Betty no chance to anszver). Yes, 
mother, she came this morning; and we've been having 
a lovely time. 

Mrs. P. (to Lilly). I’m glad, sweetheart. (To Bet¬ 
ty.) This is indeed good news. I see you are able to 
entertain Lilly. She is such a lonesome little body. 


10 


Her Son's Sweetheart 


(Turns to Lilly.) Baby, you run upstairs for a few 
minutes. I wish to speak to this young lady alone. 

Betty, (aside). How queer! 

Mrs. P. Sit down, my dear. (Points to chair.) It 
was indeed too bad that I was out when you came; but 
I have so many things to look after. Money certainly 
brings with it responsibility. You may be glad, my dear, 
that you are obliged to work for a living. I don't know 
but you are happier than we idle rich. 

Betty, (horrified). I don't understand, Mrs. —. 

Mrs. P. (interrupts her). Yes, my dear, I know. We 
each have things in our life which the other would not 
understand. 

Betty, (bewildered). But Mrs. Per—. 

Mrs. P. (gives Betty no time to speak). What is your 
name ? 

Betty, (excited). Wh—why dont’ you—. 

(Telephone rings; Mrs. Perkins starts.) 

Mrs. P. (turns to Betty). Excuse me. (Goes to 
phone.) Hello! Yes, this is 1547-W. Yes, Mrs. Per¬ 
kins. Miss May? Yes, she has come. Yes, I think we 
will both be suited. I'll let you know if we're not. Good¬ 
bye. (Hangs up receiver.) ■ 

Betty. (Aside.) What a funny woman she is! Frank 
hasn't got me yet. 

Mrs. P. (reseating herself). Really, a phone is al¬ 
most a nuisance—always ringing at the wrong time. 
Mr. Perkins has threatened to have it removed for that 
reason. I am so busy today! I am expecting company 
this afternoon. 

Betty. (Aside.) Evidently I don't count. 

Mrs. P. I guess you’ll be all right. You and Lilly 
are such good friends already. I can see that you have 
had experience with children. Just be careful of Lilly 
as she is so delicate. Don't let her get her feet wet. 
Keep her out doors a good deal. Jack will take you to 
drive any time you wish. 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 11 

Betty. (to herself). You’d think she was hiring a 
nurse girl. 

Mrs. P. Then be sure to read to her. I am very 

anxious that she become a good reader. 

# 

(Maid enters.) 

Mrs. P. Yes, Kitty? 

Kitty. (hands card to Mrs. Perkins). 

Mrs. P. Oh, thank you. (Looks at card. Reads.) 
Mrs. Clayton from Boston! What a surprise! Show 
her up, Kitty. ( Turns to Betty.) Well, my dear, we’ll 
talk again later. You better go and find Lilly. 

(Betty starts away—then turns to speak.) 

Betty. Mrs. Perkins, didn’t Fra—. 

Mrs. P. I’ll speak to you this evening. Mrs. Clay¬ 
ton is here. 

(Betty exits door R.) 

Mrs. P. (Goes to door to meet her friend.) Grace! 

(Enter Mrs. Clayton with suitcase.) 

Mrs. P. Well, Grace, this is indeed a bright surprise. 
(They kiss.) 

Mrs. C. I knew it would be; but then you invited me 
“any time,” and I love spring in the country. 

Mrs. P. I’m glad you came. Do sit down. I'll let 
Kitty take your suitcase upstairs. Remove your hat. 
(Mrs. C. takes off hat in front of mirror; fixes hair.) 
There, my dear—your hat—coat and suitcase. (Presses 
button.) 

(Enter Kitty.) 

Mrs. P. Kitty, take Mrs. Clayton's things up to the 
small guest room. 

(Exit Kitty.) 

Mrs. P. There now, dear, do rest. I know it's a long, 
tiresome ride, but it’s well worth while to breathe this 
exhilarating air. It’s such a contrast to Boston. 


12 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


Mrs. C. Yes, it is. I appreciate it here more this 
time of year any way because, of course, we have our 
beach home later. Philip has gone off on a business trip 
for about two weeks. Frank is the only one home. I 
told him Pd hold him responsible to see to the help; but 
as far as responsibility goes, Frank is useless. Pd just 
as soon leave a baby in charge. He's a good-natured boy 
just delighting in the two l’s—loving and loafing. 

Mrs. P. Really, Grace, I think that's being too hard 
on Frank. He’s a dear boy; but as far as loving goes— 
I fear my son has got ahead of him. 

Mrs. C. Frank isn’t married, is he? 

Mrs. P. No; but Pve wonderful news to tell you. 
You'll be glad you’ve come. Betty Gardener, my son’s 
sweetheart, is coming here for a two week's rest. Frank 
was coming with her, but he was unable; so she's coming 
alone. Frank is coming for the last week though. Pve 
been wondering how to entertain her. I'm glad I have 
you here to assist me. 

Mrs. C. My dear, Alice, you always worry about en¬ 
tertaining; and, truly, you are very foolish. In this par¬ 
ticular case it will be most simple. Your son’s sweetheart 
is like one of the family. 

Mrs. P. I know it, but young girls expect so much; 
and are rather prejudiced against mothers-in-law from 
the start, I fear. 

Mrs. C. You only imagine it, Alice. I don't feel 
that way. You know my son has a young lady friend 
now—a sweetly pretty girl; so die says. I have never 
seen her; I’m sorry to say. She is somewhat beneath 
him in circumstances, I believe; but then a mother can’t 
expect to choose. When is your son’s friend to come? 

Mrs. P. I'm not just certain. Frank said probably 
on the three o’clock train. He is such a thoughtless boy. 
He never thinks we might like to prepare. H^ notifies 
me on the day she is to arrive. I started for Boston, 
and if I hadn’t stopped at the post office and got his let¬ 
ter; she would have arrived unwelcomed. Just think! 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


13 


Mrs. C. And so should I. I should have had to meet 
her alone, and probably not known who she was. Next 
time Frank better wait until you invite her. 

Mrs. P. I have invited her, but she was never able to 
come before. I shall be pleased to see her. I hope to 
make it as pleasant for her as I can. Her people are 
quite wealthy. She comes of a very fine family—from 
what Frank says. 

Mrs. C. How is Lilly? Has she improved any? 

Mrs. P. Yes, slightly. Her little brain is too active, 
I fear. If you would hear her play, you would easily 
believe me. I see so much more of her here than at 
home. She has been desperately lonesome since we came 
here. There is no little girl to play with. You see they 
don't come here until June at least. She misses Hetty 
too much, I am afraid. She was a jewel of a nurse girl; 
but so impertinent to me that I had to discharge her. 
Mr. Perkins has been trying to get a young girl as a 
companion to Lilly—one who is young enough to play 
with her, and old enough to guard her health. It’s been 
a hard task. They don’t like to come to this quiet place; 
but at last we have one. She came this morning—a 
pleasant little thing—immensely"refined. 

Mrs. C. You are indeed fortunate. 

(Kitty enters.) 

Kitty. Pardon, Mrs. Perkins, but there’s a young 
lady down stairs wanting to see you. Shall I show her 
up ? 

Mrs. P. (Excited. To Mrs. C.) It’s the girl already. 
What shall I do, Grace! We have made absolutely no 
preparations for lunch. (Wrings her hands.) Oh, dear! 
oh, dear! That thoughtless boy! {Louder.) Grace, 
what shall I do? 

Mrs. C. You may as well be calm, Alice. The girl 
will understand. 

Mrs. P. (excited). Show her up, please. Kitty. 

Mrs. C. (starts to exit stage R.,. calls back over shoul¬ 
der). Alice! (softer.) Alice! Tm going up stairs to 


14 Her Son’s Sweetheart 

change my dress. Call me when you wish me to come 
down. 

(Exit Mrs. Clayton just as maid ushers in Elizabeth 
Burton zvho carries a suitcase.) 

Elizabeth, (smiles). Mrs. Perkins? 

Mrs. P. (kisses her). Yes. Betty. How is it you got 
here so early? I was going to have Jack meet you with 
the car at the three o'clock train. Frank said that was 
when he expected you would arrive. 

Elizabeth, (confused). I came as soon as I could. 
I must have got an earlier train. 

Mrs. P. Well, never mind, dear. You took a carriage 
from the station of course. 

Elizabeth. N—no. I walked. 

Mrs. P. Really ? 

Elizabeth. How is it you knew my name? 

Mrs. P. Oh, girlie! Frank told me of course. You 
didn't think he was as thoughtless as that, did you ? I 
know he seldom thinks. 

(Elizabeth stands astonished.) 

Mrs. P. Sit down, Betty. (Points to chair.) One 
would think you didn't intend to stop. I was so pleased 
when I heard you were coming. You know I just love 
company. 

Elizabeth, (aside). Evidently. 

Mrs. P. We aren’t as lonesome now as we were at 
first though. Mrs. Clayton, a Boston neighbor of ours— 
perhaps you’ve heard Frank speak of her—has just come 
to visit us also. 

Elizabeth , (astonished). Mrs. Clayton, you say! 
Y—yes, Frank has mentioned her. (aside). It would 
be very natural. 

Mrs. P. Now remove your wraps, Betty, and I’ll call 
Kitty to take them upstairs, (presses button). You 
will excuse me a few minutes, please. I must ask Mrs. 
Clayton down. 


15 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 

{Enter Kitty.) 

Mrs. P. Kitty, take this young lady's suitcase and 
wraps upstairs. Now, Betty, just be perfectly at home. 

{Exit Kitty stage door L. and Mrs. Perkins stage 
door R.) 

Elizabeth, {sighing). Well! {Looks around bewil¬ 
dered.) If this isn't the queerest thing I ever heard of! 
To be sent by an employment agency to the summer 
home of an entire stranger to act as companion to a lit¬ 
tle delicate girl; only to find that I am welcomed as one 
of the family; called, Betty, my own name, by a woman 
whom I have never seen; a woman who takes it for 
granted that I am well acquainted with a particular 
Frank. There are only three solutions of the problem : 
either the employment agency made a mistake, and in¬ 
tended to send me as a companion to a deranged wo¬ 
man; or else, I, myself, am deranged; or— (pauses; 
looks around nervously). This woman Clayton startles 
me. Frank's mother! But how could she be here? And 
coming down to meet me in a moment! I must be 
dreaming! This Mrs. Perkins insists on my acquaint¬ 
ance with Frank. Now perhaps he is wholly to blame. 
I know Frank would be capable of most anything. I 
also know that I sent him a note just before I came 
away telling him that I had procured this position. Pos¬ 
sibly he has told his mother, and that accounts for the 
queer state of affairs. {Twirls her engagement ring and 
talks to it.) I understood, though, that you were to be 
a secret. The wealthy Mrs. Clayton may not condescend 
to admit a working girl to her family. {Looks around 
anxiously.) Maybe it's a trap! I've a good mind to 
run away. {Looks for suitcase.) Goodness, I can’t! 
She’s taken my things away! {Sits dozm.) Well, I 
may as well be calm and face it out. 

{Enter Mrs. Perkins follozvcd by Mrs. Clayton.) 

Mrs. P. {turns to Mrs. Clayton). My dear Grace, 
I want to introduce you to my son’s sweetheart—Mrs. 


16 Her Son's Sweetheart 

Clayton—Miss Gardener. ( They acknowledge the in¬ 
troduction.) 

Elizabeth, (aside). She’s got my name wrong. I 
can't understand! Then this woman I have been talk¬ 
ing to is Frank’s mother. They must be sisters. 

Mrs. C. Ah, I’m so glad to be acquainted with you. 
We’ve all heard Frank speak so highly of you; and we 
all are so fond of Frank. 

Elizabeth. Thank you. Frank—it—it was very kind 
of Frank. 

(All sit down.) 

Mrs. P. Yes, Frank intended to have you down here 
long before you were engaged, but you couldn’t come. 
However, now that you are here, we’ll have a lovely time 
I feel sure. Then when Frank comes next week why—. 

Elizabeth, (amazed). He is coming here next week? 

Mrs. P. (very matter of fact). Now, Betty—pre¬ 
tended innocence! Of course you know! All girls are 
alike. 

Elizabeth, (tries to explain. To Mrs. Perkins). But, 
Mrs. Clayton, is there no mistake? 

Mrs. P. Why, no, dear. Unless he has told you dif¬ 
ferently since. He hasn’t, has he? 

Elizabeth. N—no, but, Mrs. Clayton, why did I think 
your name Perkins? 

Mrs. C. Oh, no. My name is Clayton. Probably be¬ 
cause Frank calls me Aunt Grace you thought we were 
related. 

Elizabeth, (aside). The mystery deepens. Now I 
am lost entirely. (To Mrs. Perkins.) Where is the lit¬ 
tle girl? There is one, is there not? 

Mrs. P. Oh, Lilly? Yes, of course Frank told you 
about her. She is out playing. 

Elizabeth. Do you wish me to go and find her? May 
I? (arising). 

Mrs. P. Certainly not! Don't trouble, Betty. I’ll 
get Kitty to call her. 


Her Son's Sweetheart 


17 


Elizabeth. Oh, n—no, never mind. Can't I do some¬ 
thing for you? (aside). I’ll have to do something for 
my money. (To Mrs. P.) Please let me help you. 

Mrs. P. Don't trouble, dear. There isn't a thing to 
do. Goodness! (Looks at clock.) I guess we better 
go down to lunch. It's rather late already. Come, Betty, 
you’ll see plenty of Lilly later. Come, my dear. 

(Exit Mrs. P. and Mrs. C.) 

Elizabeth. I don't know where I'm going but I’m on 
my way. (Follozus others.) 

CURTAIN. 

ACT II. 

/ (Scene—The same. As curtain rises Betty en¬ 
ters looking hastily around.) 

Betty. At last I can be alone to think for a few min¬ 
utes. Lilly will sleep for a while, at least. (Sits dozen; 
takes out handkerchief; starts to cry.) I—I could just 
cry. To think of Frank's people treating me so cruelly! 
It isn't terrible enough to be compelled to act as nurse 
girl, but I can't even eat with the family. I don't know 
wh—what to do! If it weren't that I love Lilly already 
I’d go right home. No, I couldn’t go home. What 
would everyone say! I’m almost ashamed to tell mother. 
Father will be wild if he learns of this. I don't believe 
he’ll ever allow Frank in the house again. Oh, I can't 
understand it! I—ca— (Turns quickly.) Goodness! 
(Stuffs handkerchief in zeaist.) Some one is coming! 
(Indignant.) Probably it is Mrs. Perkins and her fine 
company. (Looks around hastily.) Wh—where can I 
hide? I can't let them see I’ve been crying. 1 wouldn't 
give them that much satisfaction. (Rushes quickly to- 
zeard entrance L., which is covered by the portiere.) I’ll 
just slip behind this. (Slips behind portiere.) 

(Enter Mrs. Perkins follozeed by Mrs. Clayton and 
Elizabeth Burton.) 

Mrs. P. (over shoulder to her guests). I'll look up 


18 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


the number, and call her. I can’t seem to remember it 
from year to year. We’ll go up there this evening if she 
is home, and have a wonderful time. ( Goes to table 
where telephone is. Looks in book.) 

{Mrs. Clayton and Elizabeth sit dozen.) 

Mrs. P. Haden! Haden! ( Hunts through book.) 

It isn’t in the book. ( Closes book.) I’ll ask the oper¬ 
ator. Hello! Central? I want Mr. Haden’s house—36 
Pine Street, please. Will you call them? Yes, please. 
Which one? Mr. Thomas Haden. I can't seem to re¬ 
member numbers. ( Through transmitter.) Hello! Is 
this Mr. Haden’s house? May I speak to Mrs. Haden, 
please? ( Turns to Mrs. Clayton and Elizabeth.) She'll 
love to meet you, Betty. She adores Frank. It's about 
six miles from here to their house, but Jack can drive 
us up in the car. ( Through transmitter.) Hello! Helen? 
This is Grace. Are you going to be home this evening? 
Good! Frank's sweetheart is visiting us, and I know 
you'll be glad to meet her. Yes, we'd love to. Mrs. 
Clayton from Boston is here, too. Yes, she'll be glad to 
see you. Jack will drive us up. When? Oh, about 8, 
I think. Anyone home? Good! We'll have a splendid 
time. How is Phil ? I thought so. Did you say Vera 
was there, too? Fine! Well, goodbye! We'll see you 
later. ( Hangs up receiver. Goes over; sits dozen near 
Betty.) 

Mrs. C. I’ll be glad to see Helen. I knew her long 
before she was married. I have never met her husband. 

Mrs. P. We'll have a wonderful time tonight. (To 
Betty.) All Mrs. Haden needs to know is that you’re 
a friend of Frank’s. Helen Haden is a darling. They 
have the dearest little summer home. You'll be pleased 
to meet Vera and Phil. We’ll have to do something, 
Betty, until Frank gets here. He's planned all kinds of 
things for his week. He certainly worships you, Betty. 
He writes of nothing else but you. He told me once 
that of all his girls—and Frank was a great boy for the 
girls, Betty; there’s no use denying it—he never met 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


19 


one he loved as well as he did you. All his past love 
affairs seem like only dreams now he says. 

(Betty, standing behind the portiere, sighs.) 

Mrs. C. What was that, Alice? 

Mrs. P. ( looking around). What do you mean? I 
heard a sound like someone sighing. Perhaps Kitty 
passed by in the hallway. She is a faithful servant. 

Mrs. C. Perhaps I imagined it. Philip says Pm al¬ 
ways hearing sounds. 

Mrs. P. Very likely it was Kitty as I said. Now, 
girls, what will you wear this evening? Grace, you put 
on your blue gown. Betty, put on one of the prettiest 
you have. Phil will be sizing you up. That's the way 
he always says. He and Frank went to Yale together. 

Elizabeth. I — I didn't know Frank went to Yale. 

He mentioned Harvard to me. 

Mrs. P. Yes, very likely. He graduated from Har¬ 
vard. While we were living in New York he went to 
Yale. When we moved here everyone talked Harvard 
to us; then, nothing would do Frank but Harvard. "Of 
course it was nearer home. We liked it better—John 
and I. There has always been such rivalry between 
the two colleges, especially in athletics, that Frank found 
it hard at first. When he first went to Harvard he still 
had a little o-f the Yale spirit in him; but they took that 
all out in Cambridge, I guess. 

Mrs. C. Well, Flarvard is certainly a fine college. 
My son graduated last June. Poor fellow! He was 
broken-hearted Class Day because he had no girl he 
cared to take to the exercises. A few months before he 
had a 'quarrel with a girl he' was rather fond of. It 
ended up that he had to pretend his mother was his 
sweetheart. 

Mrs. P. I thought he was rather proud of his girl 
that night. 

Mrs. C. Well, I guess he was. 

Mrs. P. Betty, do you like Boston as well as New 
York? 


20 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


Elisabeth. Why really, I don't know. I've lived in 
both cities; and I think each one has certain things in 
its favor. I'm fond of them both. 

Mrs. P. (glances at clock). How the time flies! I 4 
must let you see our garden, Betty. It’s really quite 
bare looking yet; but in about a month it will be the 
prettiest sight. I wish you were going to be here then. 
Perhaps you can come again later in the season. 

Elizabeth, (aside). Evidently this isn't to be-a per¬ 
manent position. I knew it was too good to last long. 

'Mrs. P. Come, let's go out. There are some tulips 
out and a few other early flowers. I want you to see 
some of the statuary we have out there. Lilly will be 
down soon. She always sleeps a short time after lunch. 

It rests her. She plays so hard! 

(Exeunt Mrs. Perkins, Mrs. Clayton and Elizabeth 
Burton.) 

(Betty conies slowly out from behind the portiere.) 

Betty, (looks around nervously). I feel like a thief, 
but how did I know they were going to tell news that 
would interest me. (Starts to cry.) Now it's worse 
than before. I know it all. Frank is an imposter! He 
has just been playing with me. (Sits down. Indignant.) 

I don't know how he dared. Possibly he forgets that my 
father is one of the big men in New York city, {cries 
harder). Oh, it isn't like Frank. How I loved him, 
when I think of it! I'd have died gladly for Frank. 
(Drying her tears.) I'll fix him. I'll write him a let¬ 
ter that he won't forget. And this! (Looks at ring.) 
The deceitful villain! He'll get this back. (Throws 
ring on floor.) I’d like to stamp my foot on it. I hate 
it! (With a troubled expression on her face.) Two 
girls! Perhaps he has more. He must have invited me 
here to humiliate me. (Picks up ring; puts it on finger 
again.) Well, I don't care. I’ll send it back. I might 
as well. He—he— (cries). He can’t marry us both. 
And her name is Betty, too! Betty what? Pd like to 
know her last name. Oh, how I "hate her! I'll write 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


21 


Frank. (Gets up; looks around. Exasperated.) I 
haven't any pen or ink—not even a piece of writing 
paper. I'll ask the maid. ( Presses button.) 

(Enter Kitty.) 

Betty. P—Please may I have pen and ink and writ¬ 
ing paper. I have an important letter to write. 

Kitty. Th^re is a desk in the little room, Miss. You 
can write there. 

Betty, (aside). No, then I couldn’t hide if someone 
came. There is only one door to that room. (To maid.) 
I'd rather write in here. Please bring a book. I can 
write on that. 

(Exit Kitty.) 

Betty, (looks out door R. cautiously). No one in 
sight. I'll fix Frank. I’m the last dream he’ll ever have. 
Think of the bitter way she expressed it. (Looks farther 
out door.) They are walking down the road arm in 
arm. (Sighs.) I wish I could see the hateful thing. If 
I hadn't had to eat in the nursery I could have. She’s 
probably pretty. Frank always said he adored beauty 
in a woman. (Looks in mirror.) Goodness! I’m a 
sight. They'll know I’ve been crying. I'll go home be¬ 
fore I’d let them know it though. 

(Enter Kitty zvith writing materials.) 

Kitty, (hands materials to Betty). Anything else, 
Miss?' 

Betty. No, thank you. (Places materials on table.) 
Kitty! Kitty, please come here just a moment. (Whis¬ 
pers' to maid.) Kitty, I have an important letter to write. 
I am going to ask you to watch; if anyone is coming, 
let me know. Will you, please? 

Kitty. I’ll watch, Miss. You needn't worry. 

(Exit Kitty.) 

(Betty sits dozen on chair; starts to write.) 

Betty, (thoughtfully). What shall I say? I can’t 


22 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


bear to hurt his feelings. When T think of how won¬ 
derfully he treated me the last evening we were together. 
I felt sure he worshipped me. Those last words of his 
“mother will love you as I do, Betty, dear.’’ (Looks 
troubled.) He must have meant it; and yet how often 
a woman is deceived. She trusts the man she loves 
only to discover later that he is false. It can’t be so 
with Frank, though, (cries). I can’t give him up. 
(Buries head in her arms.) I must’nt be so foolish. I 
might as well face it out. I heard it from his own 
mother’s lips. 

(Betty starts to write; reads aloud slowly as she 
unites.) 

* 

Betty, (writes). “Dear Frank: I am at your moth¬ 
er's home, and am more unhappy than I have ever been 
before in my life. Your mother has treated me wretch¬ 
edly; and if it were not that I have learned to love your 
little sister already, 1 should be on my way to Xew York. 
I don’t know what I have done, Frank, to make you 
think so little of me that you wish to humiliate me be¬ 
fore your people. I have tried to be a true friend to 
you. If I have failed, I am very sorry. Your mother’s 
treatment is not enough, but what of the other woman 
you love? I may have seemed a dream to you, Frank, 
but I'll be your last dream. That’s one sure thing. You 
may consider our engagement ended. You will receive 
your ring back as soon as 1 get a chance to send it. Don’t 
reply to this, Frank. It needs no explanation. Your 
mother has explained all. Goodbye forever. Betty.” 

(Noise from without.) 

Betty, (folding her letter. Slips it into envelope). 
Someone running in the hall! It must be Kitty! 

(Enter Kitty.) 

Kitty. Quick, Miss! They are coming back! 

Betty, (excited). I must address it first. 

Kitty. No, Miss. There won’t be time. 

Betty. I'll tell you! I'll give you this letter to keep 


Her Soil's Sweetheart 


23 


for me until evening. 1 have no place to hide it. I’ll 
get it from you this evening and address it. Then you 
can mail it. I'll pay you well, Kitty. If you’ll only help 
me. 

Kitty. Very well, Miss, quick, hurry! Go up stairs, 
Miss Lilly is looking for you. 

(Betty runs to door R., looks out.) 

Betty. False alarm, Kitty. They have gone into the 
other room. Here comes Lilly! 

Betty, {looks iu mirror). I hope the child won’t 
notice my eyes. 

(Enter Lilly.) 

Lilly. (runs to Betty. Throws arms around her 
neck.) Miss Hetty. I’ve been looking everywhere for 
you. I dressed myself ’cause I couldn’t wait to have 
you help me. Lets go out, Miss Hetty. 

Betty. All right, sweetheart. (To maid.) Kitty, you 
won’t forget? 

Kitty, (picking up writing materials). No, Miss. 

(E.veuut Betty and Lilly.) 

Kitty. I guess I’ve got everything. I’ll just slip this 
letter into my pocket. (She quickly slips letter into her 
pocket: so carelessly, however, that it falls to the floor. 
She rushes out.) 

(Enter Mrs. Clayton and Mrs. Perkins.) 

Mrs. C. Where did Hetty go? 

Mrs. P. Upstairs. Come; be seated, Alice. Didn’t 
you hear her say she wished to change her dress? She’s 
very foolish. She’ll have to dress again tonight to go 
to 1 laden’s. Really, Alice, although I know it isn’t nice 
to criticise; how plainly Betty dresses. The material in 
that suit she had on was certainly not expensive. From 
all her talk I fear her family isn’t as high a one as Frank 
supposed. 

Mrs. C. Yes, you’re right; but 1 bated to say anything. 


24 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


She is educated. I should judge by the way she speaks. 

Mrs. P. Yes, but not as highly as I supposed. Frank 

said about her going to that Mrs. Selener's finishing 
school, but she absolutely denies the fact. Perhaps Frank 
misunderstood her. 

Mrs. C. Lilly looked lovely in the garden. It’s a 
very warm day for May. Just like summer! I think 
it’s dangerous, though, Alice, to let Lilly out so thinly 
clad. You know she isn’t very strong. 

Mrs. P. Oh, she doesn’t mind. She runs out like 
that earlier than this sometimes. What did you think 
of her companion as you passed by. Don’t you think 
she is pretty? 

Mrs. C. Yes, immensely so! I just had to stand and 
stare at her. She is so unusually refined for a working 
girl. What is her name? 

Mrs. P. {thinks). Why, let me see. (Laughs.) 
Really, Grace, I don’t know yet. I haven't had a chance 
to ask her. I wonder what keeps Betty. Did I show 
you the new chain. John gave me for my birthday? 

Mrs. C. No, I dont’ believe you did. 

Mrs. P. Come; we'll go up to my room. Betty prob- 
ably won't be down before we get back. 

- o 

/ 

(Mrs. Perkins and Mrs. Clayton exeunt door R. as 
Lilly runs in door L.) 

Lilly. Miss Betty won’t ever find where I'm hiding 
now. (Sees letter on floor; picks it up.) What in the 
world is this? (Looks it over.) I guess it's a letter 
some one dropped. I'll— 

(Enter Elizabeth Burton.) 

Elizabeth, (looking around). Hello, Lilly. I know 
that is who you are without asking. Have you seen 
your mother or your aunt? They said that they would 
wait here for me. 

Lilly. No, I haven't. Oh—Miss—er. 

Elizabeth. Miss Burton, dear. 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


25 


Lilly. Miss Burton, here is a letter I just picked up. 
I guess it belongs to you since you are here. ( Hands 
letter to Elizabeth.) I can’t wait because I’m playing 
hide and seek with Miss Betty. We’ve been having a 
most wonderful time all day. You may play with us 
later if you wish to. 

(Lilly runs out door L.) 

Elizabeth, (sits dozmi and opens letter). There must 
be some mistake. Funny how this can belong to me. 
Perhaps her mother told her to give it to me. (Reads.) 
“Dear Frank.” (Astonished.) A letter to Frank! What 
does this mean. (Reads on.) “The other woman.” I 
must be the woman she means. She must have over¬ 
heard our conversation. (Reads again. Aloud.) “En¬ 
gagement ring!” What does she mean? Frank en¬ 
gaged to her! The villain! How does she dare write 
such a letter! (Reads aloud again.) “Your mother has 
explained all.” Then his mother knows about it. (as¬ 
tonished.) It's signed “Betty”—my name. (Thinks a 
moment.) I know who must have written it—the only 
other Betty in the house. I heard Lilly call her com¬ 
panion by that name just a moment ago. Well, Betty, 
you’ll suffer for this! If Frank Clayton thinks he’s 
playing with me, I’ll let him find out his mistake! Other 
girls! It’s nice to have a girl in every city. I guess his 
mother was right when she said that he had always had 
lots of girls. She should have used the present tense, 
though. That was the only trouble. I hated that pretty 
girl when I passed her in the garden. You can see by 
her dress what she is. A woman in the same circum¬ 
stance as 1 dressed as well as Mrs. Clayton. I’m sorry 
that I wasn’t sent to look after the child instead of the 
woman. You can at least find out something from chil¬ 
dren. (closes letter; puts it in envelope.) I know what 
I’ll do. I'll leave this letter here on the table where Mrs. 
Clayton will see it as soon as she comes in. I’ll expose 
my rival! She’s no higher in life than I am; so what do 
I care. The wealthy Airs. Clayton might as well have 
one companion in the family as the other. (Looks 



26 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


around.) Here they come! (Lays letter on table just 
as Mrs. Perkins and Mrs. Clayton re-enter.) 

Mrs. P. Betty! Oh, there you are, dear. We got 
so tired of waiting for you that we went upstairs a mo¬ 
ment. I was showing Mrs. Clayton the pretty chain 
my husband gave me on my birthday. 

i 

Mrs. C. No wonder Betty was long. She looks sweet 
enough to kiss. You don’t mind my calling you by your 
first name, do you ? Alice insists on it. 

Betty. No, certainly I don’t. 

(Mrs. Perkins and Mrs. Clayton sit dozen near table.) 

Mrs. P. (notices letter). I wonder what this is? 
(Picks up letter; looks at it.) No address on the en¬ 
velope! I’ll read it if you ladies don't object. 

Mrs. C. and Elizabeth. Certainly not! 

Mrs. P. (reads letter; looks astonished). Why— 
why, I can't understand! (to Elizabeth). This letter 
belongs to you, does it not? (Indignant.) Do you mean 
what this letter says? I'm sure I haven't had a chance 
to do much for you yet. However, I have made that 
engagement with Helen Haden for you. 

Elizabeth, (excited). Mrs. Clayton that letter is not 
mine. 

Mrs. C. (belicz'es Elizabeth is addressing her). I’m 
glad to hear it; I hope it is not. 

Mrs. P. Not yours, Betty? You never wrote this? 
(Holds up letter.) Why, your name is signed to it. 

Elizabeth. I did not write the letter, neither am I 
positive who did. 

Mrs. P. Positive! (more excited). Positive, you 
say! Then you have an idea who wrote it. What could 
their object be? Please explain !—I—. 

Elizabeth, (sarcastically). Too bad Frank isn’t here; 
he might know. Ask the girl who is playing with Lilly. 
She may be able to enlighten you. 

Mrs. P. Lilly's companion! Lilly’s companion write 
to Frank! Betty, you must be insane! Are you trying 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


27 


to insinuate that my son is in love with a girl in her cir¬ 
cumstances? (Indignant.) I guess not! 

Elizabeth, (aside). He must have lied to his mother 
about me. 

Mrs. P. (looks at letter again). She has signed your 
name, Betty. Explain this! Did you know Frank had 
another girl? 

Elizabeth. Not until I read that letter. 

Mrs. P. You read the letter? 

Elizabeth. Yes, Lilly gave it to me. 

Mrs. P. Lilly! Lilly! Impossible! 

Mrs. C. Calm yourself, Alice. There is some mistake. 

Elizabeth. What is the name of Lilly’s friend? 

Mrs. P. I dont’ know; I haven't had time to ask her 
yet. That is it. You can't depend on a man! If John 
had allowed me to hire the girl it would have been dif¬ 
ferent. This girl must be— (exasperated) —oh, I don’t 
know what she must be. 

Mrs. C. Call Lilly. She will at least know the girl’s 
name. Don’t tell the girl about the letter until you are* 
sure she is the one who wrote it. You don't know what 
this may mean! 

Elizabeth. Lilly gave the letter to me. She will know 
where she got it. I feel as badly as you do. (Bursts 
into tears.) I—I can’t believe it of Frank. 

Mrs. C. (comforting her). There, dear. Dont' be 
silly. Everything will come out all right. Possibly it 
is some poor girl whom Frank has been kind to. She 
may have thought he was serious with her. 

Elizabeth, (sobs louder ). Y—yes, but the ring! He— 
he wouldn't ha—have given her a ring for fun. 

Mrs. P. (goes over presses button for Kitty). Now 
I’ll find out. 


(Enter Kitty.) 

Mrs. P. Please send Miss Lilly here—not her com¬ 
panion—just Miss Lilly. 


28 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


{Exit Kitty.) 

Mrs. P. (turns to Betty). Don't feel so badly! I'm 
glad to know that you didn't write the letter. That’s all 
I cared about. 

(Kitty ushers Lilly in.) 

Lilly. (runs to mother). What did you want, mother? 

Mrs. P. (calming down). Why, you haven't spoken 
to Aunt Grace yet. You didn’t see us when you were 
playing in the garden but we saw you. 

Elizabeth, (aside). I thought that other woman was 
the child’s mother. There certainly must be something 
wrong mentally with these people. I wish I were back 
in Boston. 

(Lilly kisses Mrs. Clayton.) 

Mrs. C. Lilly loves Aunt Grace. Don't you, pet. 

Lilly. Yes, of course I do. 

Mrs. P. Lilly, this is Betty—Frank’s sweetheart. 
Aren't you glad to see her. 

Lilly. Of course I am, mother. 

Mrs. P. Why don't you say so then, dear, instead of 
standing there staring at her. 

Lilly. Well, mother, we've met before. Besides, 
mother, I’m thinking how queer it is that her name 
should be Betty too—like the other one. 

Mrs. P. What other one, Lilly? (To ladies.) The 
mystery clears. 

Lilly. Why, my companion, mother. 

Mrs. P. Your companion? Is Betty her name? 

Lilly. Yes, mother; why do you ask? She’s just 
splendid. 

Mrs. P. What’s her other name? (excited). Answer 
me quickly, Lilly. 

Lilly. I never asked. We've been playing so much I 
never thought to ask. 

Mrs. P. Can’t you shake hands with Betty, Lilly! 


Her Son’s Siveetheart 


29 


(Lilly extends her hand.) 

Mrs. P. Now, Lilly, who gave von the letter you gave 
to Bettv? 

j 

Lilly. No one, mother. I picked it up. 

Mrs. P. Picked it up? Where, Lilly? 

Lilly. On the floor; over there near the table. 

Mrs. P. Then you gave it to Betty? 

Lilly. Yes, mother. 

Mrs. P. Do you know who dropped it, Lilly? 

Lilly. N—-no, I don't know. Why, mother? 

Mrs. P. If mother wished to tell you she would, Lilly. 
Please don't forget that. 

(Enter Kitty who looks all around floor.) 

Mrs. P. (looks toward her). Kitty! {Louder.) 
Kittv! 

j 

Kitty. Yes, Mrs. Perkins. 

Mrs. P. What are you looking for? 

Kitty. A letter. I dropped it a while ago. 

Elizabeth, (to Mrs. Clayton). She! What does this 
mean ? 

Mrs. P. What kind of a letter, Kitty. 

Kitty. An ordinary one, thank you. 

Mrs. P. {excited). I don’t mean that, Kitty. What 
was on the envelope? 

Kitty. Nothing was on the envelope. {Excited.) At 
least I think nothing was on the envelope. 

Mrs. P. I found that letter, Kitty. 

Kitty. All right. It belongs to me. 

Mrs. P. Kitty. I do not believe you. I am sorry if 
you are not telling me the truth. I shall not give you 
the letter until you tell me to whom it belongs. I may 
not even give it to you then. Tell me, Kitty, quickly! 

Kitty, {bewildered). Oh, but—but I can’t! 

Elizabeth, {to Mrs. Clayton). She’s in it, too. 


30 


Her Son's Sweetheart 


Mrs. P. Are you not to be trusted, Kitty? After all 
the years you’ve worked for us I thought we could rely 
on you. (excited). Tell me at once, Kitty, or you may 
leave this evening. My husband will settle with you. 

Kitty. (ashamed). It—it belongs to Miss Lilly’s 
companion. I was to mail it for her, but I dropped it 
on the floor. 

Mrs. P. Fortunately, 1 think. (To Kitty.) Please 
call Lilly's companion here at once. This mystery must 
be unraveled. 

Kitty, (umvilling to %o). Oh, please don’t, Mrs. 
P—. 

Mrs. P. Not another word, Kitty. I don't understand 
you. I'm sure you need not worry. You have told noth¬ 
ing but what I compelled you to tell. Call the young 
lady at once; please. 

(Exit Kitty.) 

Mrs. P. Now, Lilly, you sit down and be quiet. Don’t 
speak unless mother asks you to. 

(Enter Betty Gardener.) 

Mrs. P. Come here, please. 

Betty. You called me, Mrs. Perkins. 

Elisabeth, (aside). There is some mistake! 

Mrs. P. Yes, about a letter we have found. Does it 
belong to you? (Holds up letter.) 

Betty, (clutches dress. Excited). Wh-what letter? 
(aside). You can’t trust anyone. 

Mrs. P. Will you please explain how you came to be 
corresponding with my son? 

Betty, (straightening up). Yes, I will, Mrs. Perkins. 
Is it not customary for a woman to correspond with a 
man to whom she is engaged? 

Mrs. P. Engaged! You! Engaged to my son! 

Betty. Yes, Mrs. Perkins. I didn’t know your son 
was engaged to so many though. It must be hard for 
you to keep track of them all. I sympathize with you. 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


31 


However, his engagement to me is a thing of the past. 
Probably the maid dropped that letter, I must have it at 
once. ( Reaches for letter.) I wish to send it. My ring 
will go back later. 

Mrs . P. (draws back). Not yet! I want more ex¬ 
planation. You can not know my* surprise to find two 
young ladies in the house—both with the same name— 
both engaged to my son. (Aside.) Oh, the agonies a 
mother must suffer for her child! (To Betty.) What is 
your name, please? “Betty” what? 

Betty. I thought Frank told you all about me. I am 
Betty Gardner from New York City. 

Mrs. P. (stares at her). You! Betty Gardner! 
(Turns to Elizabeth.) Then who are you? 

Elizabeth. I am Elizabeth Burton, familiarly known 
as Betty. 

Mrs. P. (to Elizabeth). You asknowledge, then, that 
you are an imposter? What does it all mean? 

Elizabeth, (to Mrs. Perkins). I don't know. I am 
all mixed up. Aren't you Mrs. Clayton, Frank Clayton’s 
mother ? 

Mrs. C. Well of all things. My son's sweetheart— 
Frank's girl! 

Elizabeth. I was sent here by an employment office 
to care for a little girl. On arriving I understood Frank 
Clayton's mother was here. You treated me as a friend. 
I didn't know it was all a mistake. I am very sorry. 

Mrs. P. (Laughs.) I understand it all, now. Sit 
down, Betty; and I’ll try to explain it all. Mrs. Clay¬ 
ton and I both have a son named Frank. Your Franks 
are not the same one. Cheer up, girls! (Turns to Bet¬ 
ty.) You will never forgive me dear. I am so sorry. 
Your letter was right; I have treated you desperately, 
and Frank will be wild. 

Betty. He'll never know. Thanks to Kitty. I feel 
ashamed for what I’ve said. 

Mrs. P. You needn’t. 


32 


Her Son’s Sweetheart 


Mrs. C. T fear it is all my fault. My coming only 
made the mistake greater. 

Elizabeth. Forgive me, Miss Gardner. Let me ask 

your forgiveness, too, Mrs. Perkins. For a long time I 

was bewildered after I came here; but you treated me 

• ** 

as though it was all understood. Tf my name hadn’t been 
Betty, and if I hadn’t loved a Frank. 

Betty. If I had sent that letter to Frank! Do explain 
more, Airs. Perkins. 

Mrs. P. I am almost ashamed. How lucky we haven’t 
gone up to Haden’s yet. Think of it, Betty! I should 
have introduced Elizabeth as you. You see you came 
when I was out; and as we were expecting a companion 
for Lilly, naturally you were mistaken for her. Frank’s 
letter must—. 

Betty, (laughs). Enough! Don't bother telling the 
rest. I know. What acn .you think of me? 

Mrs. P. You are a dear. (Turns to Elizabeth.) You, 
too, Betty. Frank Clayton has chosen wisely. It is al¬ 
most too good to keep from the boys. 

Mrs. C. I think so, too. ( Kisses Elizabeth.) 

Mrs. P. (Puts her arm around Betty.) Are you sure 
you have forgiven your old future mother-in-law? 

Betty. (To Mrs. Perkins.) Dreadful sure! (Kisses 
her.) 

Lilly, (breaks silence). Mother! (Louder.) Aren’t 
you ever going to say I can speak? 

(All laugh.) 

Mrs. P. Yes, dear. 

Lilly. Well then, mother, I’m so glad they both be¬ 
long to me. Afay I kiss them both? 

Mrs. P. Certainly dear; but wait until they get over 
this shock and I get used to which one is really my son’s 
sweetheart. 


CURTAIN. 


TWO PLAYS FOR BOYS 

By SEYMOUR S. TIBBALS. 


Mr. Tibbals has been unusually successful in fur¬ 
nishing boys’ plays that introduce characters true to 
life. While the plays are strong and forceful in the 
lessons they teach, clean comedy predominates and 
the boys like them. 

“The Millionaire Janitor’ 9 

A comedy in two acts. Here is a rollicking play 
for eight or more boys with plenty of action. Just 
the thing for a Boys’ Class or Junior Y. M. C. A. 
Easily staged and costumed. Opportunity for intro¬ 
duction of musical numbers and recitations. By in¬ 
troducing such features the play may be used for 
an entire evening’s entertainment. 

Price 25 Cents 


“Up Caesar’s Creek” 

A splendid play for any number of boys. The 
characters are real boys and the play deals with their 
experiences while camping up Caesar’s Creek the per¬ 
formance closing with a minstrel show in camp. Cos¬ 
tumes and scenery are not elaborate and the play may 
be produced on any stage. 

Price 25 Cents 

These comedies are protected by copyright, but 
permission for amateur production is granted with 
the purchase of the book. 


ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

Franklin, Ohio 

95 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 


“THE HOUSE THAT Ik 




WE ARE SPECIALISTS IN 

Amateur Entertainments 

It is not a side line with us, bnt we 
devote our entire time to that business 


Realizing that many people have grown 
weary of searching through catalogs and read¬ 
ing entertainments only to discard them as 
unavailable we appreciatethe fact that our cus¬ 
tomers have often spoken of us as “the house 
that helps.’’ We have had practical exped¬ 
ience in selecting and producing amateur en¬ 
tertainments and we feel that we know what 
will please the public, and what can be pro¬ 
duced under certain conditions. Our experience is 
at your disposal. Write us, giving full particulars 
of your special need in the way of an enter¬ 
tainment, and we will select a play, an oper¬ 
etta, a drill or even an entire program for you. 
But always enclose a stamp for the reply. 

Remember, that in addition to our entertain¬ 
ments we carry a large line of publications of 
other dealers. If in doubt as to the entertain¬ 
ment you desire, send particulars and we 
will suggest something to fit. 

We are at your service. 

ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

Franklin, Ohio 























